How to sign “Picture” in ASL
The BSL sign for “Picture” isn't in our dictionary yet — it will be fingerspelled in BSL mode, never replaced with this ASL sign.
Step by step
- Shape your dominant hand into a C, fingers curved opposite the thumb like a frame.
- Lift the C hand to the side of your eye and hold your other palm up flat.
- Bring the C hand down onto the flat palm, as if printing the image onto paper.
- Keep the base palm upright and steady while the C hand lands against it.
- Hold a neutral expression — context decides whether you mean picture or photograph.
Practice tip
Same sign as PHOTO — the casual shortcut simply stamps the pinkie edge of the dominant hand onto the open palm.
Fingerspell “Picture”
Letter by letter — a handy backup if you forget the sign above. This is not the sign itself.
Text-based guide researched from established ASL references (Lifeprint, university and public-health materials) and rewritten in original words. Signer-created photos and videos are a planned future upgrade.